Noadswood School pupils win award for nutrition project in STEAM competiton

A GROUP of pupils from the Waterside have won an award for their invention of a nutrition bar designed to help feed the world’s poorest people.

The students, from Noadswood School in Dibden Purlieu took part in a science, technology, engineering, art and maths (STEAM) competition run by Soroptimist International (SI) Bournemouth for local female pupils in years eight and nine.

Teams were asked to design, research and build a product, with the aim being to encourage girls to overcome gender-based barriers by selecting STEAM subjects and follow related careers.

An awards ceremony was held at Bournemouth University, and among those attending was the Lord-Lieutenant of Dorset, Angus Campbell, and representatives of sponsors Ellis Jones Solicitors and Bournemouth Water.

The youngsters from Noadswood were named overall winners in the year eight category.

Gail Thomas, honorary secretary of Soroptimist International Bournemouth, said: “Congratulations to everyone who took part. The standard of entries was excellent and the winners did well to triumph against some very tough competition.”

Georgina Wright, marketing and events manager at Ellis Jones Solicitors, added: “It was a privilege to meet some incredibly talented, committed and intelligent young women with great futures ahead of them.

“It is important to challenge gender stereotypes and show that there are careers for women in traditionally male-dominated industries and professions.”